Festa Patronale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Saronno's Patrons

The Festa Patronale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Patronal Festival of Saints Peter and Paul) is the most important celebration in Saronno's civil and religious calendar, located in the province of Varese. The two apostles, celebrated by the Church on June 29th, are the city's patrons and give their name to the main church that dominates the center, the Prepositurale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo.

Solemn Mass

The central moment of the festival is the solemn Mass at 10 AM, celebrated in the Prepositurale church in the presence of civil authorities, city associations, groups, the pastoral council, and choirs. It is the occasion when the community recognizes itself around its patrons, uniting the religious dimension with a sense of civic belonging.

The Burning of the Cotton Ball

Among the most characteristic traditions of the festival is the burning of the 'pallone di cotone' (cotton ball), a popular ritual that accompanies the celebrations and recalls Lombard festive culture. On the festival day, municipal offices are closed, and the city experiences a day of respite from daily life, marked by religious appointments and festive moments.

A Festival for the City

The religious solemnity is often complemented by evening concerts and initiatives that liven up the city center, involving choirs, musical groups, and associations. The Festa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo thus represents, for Saronno and the province of Varese, a moment of strong collective identity, where religious tradition and city life merge.